SIM Card Frauds and Digital Payments: What You Must Know in 2025

Byadmin

In today’s world, your mobile phone is much more than a device for calling or sending messages. It is your bank, your shopping cart, your bill payment tool — all in one. And at the heart of this mobile activity is your SIM card.

Your SIM card connects you to the mobile network, and it’s also linked to your digital payments. Whether you’re using UPI, mobile banking, or payment apps, your SIM is involved. This is why scammers have started targeting SIM cards to steal people’s money. It’s a growing issue in India and people need to be alert.

What Is SIM Card Fraud?

SIM card fraud means someone is trying to misuse your mobile number to take control of your digital life. This includes stealing OTPs (One-Time Passwords), bank alerts, and other personal messages that help them access your account and transfer money without your knowledge.

Scammers use many tricks to do this. Here are the most common types you should be aware of.

Different Types of SIM Frauds

1. SIM Swap

In this scam, the fraudster gets your personal details through fake phone calls, messages, or phishing emails. Then, they contact your mobile operator and ask to issue a new SIM card for your number, pretending to be you.

Once they get the new SIM, your old one stops working. They now receive your OTPs and messages, and can access your banking apps and wallets. Many people don’t notice this until they lose network and find money missing from their account.

2. eSIM Trick

With more people shifting to eSIMs, scammers are sending fake messages pretending to be from mobile service providers. These messages ask users to convert their SIM to eSIM using a link. If the person clicks and enters details, the scammer gets control over their number.

In some cases, people lose lakhs of rupees just because they clicked on such a message.

3. Fake SIM Block Messages

You may receive a message saying that your SIM will be blocked if you don’t update KYC or pay a small charge. These messages often have links that steal your data. Once the scammer has your info, they try to access your mobile wallets and bank apps.

True Stories That Show the Risk

  • Case 1: SIM Swap Costs a Company Crores: A Mumbai-based steel trading company lost over ₹7 crore when fraudsters managed to transfer their mobile number to a new SIM and access OTPs to clean out the company’s bank account. The police were able to recover part of the money, but the damage was already done.
  • Case 2: Noida Woman Loses ₹27 Lakh in eSIM Scam: A woman received a message asking her to convert her SIM to eSIM. Thinking it was from her mobile company, she followed the steps. Later, she realised that money was withdrawn from her bank account, and a loan was also taken in her name.

These stories are warnings that such scams can happen to anyone.

How to Know Your SIM Is at Risk?

  • Your phone suddenly shows “No Signal” or “No Network”
  • You stop receiving calls or messages without reason
  • You get bank alerts or OTPs that you didn’t request
  • Your mobile apps ask you to log in again

If you notice any of these signs, contact your mobile company and your bank at once. After that, report the incident on Portal Chakshu.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe?

Here are some simple things you can follow in daily life:

  • Don’t share your OTP or personal details with anyone over phone or message
  • Never click on links from unknown numbers or emails
  • Set app locks and passwords on banking and payment apps
  • Keep your mobile software updated
  • Be careful with messages asking you to update your KYC or SIM details

Most scams happen because someone lets their guard down for just a moment. A little care can protect you from a big loss.

How Portal Chakshu Helps You?

Portal Chakshu is a platform created to help people report suspicious calls, messages, and online frauds quickly and easily.

You can report scams related to:

  • SIM swap or eSIM tricks
  • Fake KYC updates
  • Payment wallet frauds
  • Fake QR codes
  • WhatsApp and SMS frauds

It’s made for normal users — you don’t need any technical knowledge. Just visit Portal Chakshu, fill in the details, and submit the report. Your complaint will be seen by the right authorities.

Why Are More People Using Portal Chakshu?

There are many reasons why Portal Chakshu is useful:

  • It’s easy to use
  • No app download required
  • You can report in minutes
  • It supports citizens in staying alert
  • It shares safety updates and alerts

Many people have already used this service to report scams and protect others from facing the same issue. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

Final Words

Digital payments are easy and fast. But with that speed comes risk. Scammers are always thinking of new ways to steal money, and SIM-based fraud is one of the biggest tricks in 2025.

Stay alert. Be smart. Don’t trust unknown links or calls. And never ignore sudden changes in your mobile network.

If you ever feel something is wrong, take action quickly. Inform your bank and mobile provider, and report the case to Portal Chakshu.

Your SIM card connects you to everything — your phone, your bank, and your daily life. Keep it safe. Keep yourself safe.

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